San Luis Valley Conservation Area

The San Luis Valley Conservation Area spans 530,000 acres of wetlands, riparian zones, and natural habitats between the San Juan Mountains and Sangre de Cristo Range.

In 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established this conservation area through a land donation from Western Rivers Conservancy, creating a 12.82-acre initial easement.

The San Luis Valley Committee includes representatives from livestock growers, sportspersons, and federal agencies working together to protect wildlife and agricultural interests.

Conservation easement contracts maintain private land ownership while restricting development, drainage activities, and conversion of native grasslands to croplands.

The headwaters of the Rio Grande create essential wetland formations in this high-desert environment, supporting diverse migratory bird populations and sensitive wildlife species.

Location: Colorado

GPS coordinates: 37.74000,-106.04000

Latest update: March 7, 2025 18:37